Apostleship of the Sea

article from Issue No. 27/2007 for Sunday 8th July

Send Out to Serve - a Mission of Hope to Seafarers

Mission: We reach out to seafarers in the name of Christ, enabling them to get to Mass, either on board ship or in a parish. Through effective Christian witness and personal contact, we work to nourish Christian life on board ship.

Solidarity: We stand alongside seafarers when their rights are ignored, and campaign for their rights to be internationally recognized and upheld. We encourage an awareness of the personal dignity of the seafarer whose individual existance can be overlooked in a globalized industry.

Welfare: We look after seafarers who are abandoned in port and those who are sick or injured through accidents on board. During the winter months we provide essential warm clothing.

Hospitality: We welcome seafarers to warm and friendly centres where they can telephone or email loved ones at home. They can relax at the bar, play pool or visit the chapel for a service or for quiet prayer and reflection.